Sunak has Raab’s fate in his hands

After a five-month investigation Adam Tolley KC has today given Downing Street his report into the bullying claims against Dominic Raab. Rishi Sunak is now considering its findings before deciding whether Raab broke ministerial rules. However, Raab has some time to wait – with a Downing Street source suggesting that there will be no further developments tonight.

It comes after Raab received eight formal complaints about his behaviour as a minister in several government departments; Tolley’s report is based on evidence he took from dozens of officials involved in these. The Justice Secretary continues to deny that he has bullied staff, insisting that he always ‘behaved professionally.’

A difficult decision now awaits Sunak. Raab is one of the Prime Minister’s closest allies; someone who backed him vocally in both leadership contests last year. Liz Truss sent him to political Siberia for that in September; Sunak recalled him from there in October, restoring him as Lord Chancellor and his deputy.